Risks and Complications

At Australia Plastic Surgery, we are committed to ensuring every patient has a clear understanding of the potential risks and complications associated with both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. While plastic surgery can produce transformative results, all surgical interventions carry some level of risk.

This page serves as an educational resource to help you make informed, confident decisions about your care.

Risks refer to potential negative outcomes that are known to be associated with a procedure, but may not necessarily occur.

Complications are unexpected issues that may arise during or after surgery. These can occur even when all precautions have been taken and may require additional treatment or medical support.

These risks are common to many surgical procedures and will be discussed in detail during your consultation:

• Infection – May occur at the surgical site and require antibiotics or further intervention.
• Bleeding – Some blood loss is expected, but excessive bleeding can pose a concern.
• Haematoma – A collection of blood outside blood vessels, often requiring drainage.
• Seroma – A buildup of clear fluid under the skin, which may need to be removed.
• Scarring – All surgical incisions result in scarring, varying by individual healing.
• Adverse Reaction to Anaesthesia – Can include mild nausea or, rarely, severe complications.
• Allergic Reactions – May occur due to medications or materials used during surgery.
• Blood Clots – Rare but serious risks like pulmonary embolism or stroke.
• Nerve Damage – May result in numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation.
• Skin Discolouration or Sensitivity Changes – Often temporary, but occasionally permanent.
• Prolonged Pain – Pain that lasts beyond the expected recovery timeline.
• Damage to Nearby Tissues – In rare cases, instruments can impact adjacent nerves or vessels.
• Unsatisfactory Results – Outcome may differ from expectations, sometimes requiring revision.
• Poor Wound Healing – Delayed healing or wound reopening may occur.
• Necrosis – Death of tissue caused by limited blood supply.
• Psychological Impact – Emotional responses post-surgery, including anxiety or disappointment.
• Death – Extremely rare but remains a recognised surgical risk

Several factors play a role in the likelihood and severity of surgical complications:

• Type of Procedure – Invasive procedures generally carry greater risks than minimally invasive options.
• Medical History – Chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can increase complication risk.
• Lifestyle Choices – Smoking, alcohol, and poor diet can negatively affect recovery and healing.
• Aftercare & Compliance – Following all post-op instructions and attending follow-ups is essential.
• Surgeon Qualifications – All procedures at Australia Plastic Surgery are performed by FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons, ensuring high standards of care and expertise.

You can reduce your risk of complications by:

• Choosing a specialist plastic surgeon with recognised qualifications (e.g. FRACS).
• Undergoing surgery at an accredited facility.
• Being transparent about your medical history and medications.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol before and after surgery.
• Following all pre- and post-operative care instructions.
• Asking questions to ensure you fully understand the procedure and its implications.
• Attending all follow-up appointments and reporting any unusual symptoms promptly.

Informed consent is a crucial step in your surgical journey. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss:

• The nature and goal of the procedure.
• Risks and potential complications.
• Recovery expectations.
• Alternative options.
• Realistic outcomes.

At Australia Plastic Surgery, we believe that patients should be active participants in their care. Our consultations are designed to provide comprehensive information, so you feel empowered to make the decision that’s right for you.